Common Says Going Vegetarian Made Him Rap Better

Common released his 11th studio album Black America Againjust over a week ago, and if you're wondering what helped him pen the poignant, sociopolitical record, the MC reckons it's all in the diet.

As part of the December issue of Food & Wine, the Chicago MC revealed that going vegetarian had noticeable effect on his thought process, and by extension, his rapping.

"As soon as I removed meat from my diet, I started to feel a clarity I didn't have before," he said. "It sounds funny, but I feel like I was rapping better."

He added, "I grew up in Chicago eating everything: barbecue, hamburgers, bacon. Then I heard rappers, like KRS-One in 'My Philosophy,' say things about not eating meat, which was a real education, especially since it was coming from somebody cool. That stayed with me and made me want to learn more. "

Elsewhere in the article, Common revealed that he's now returned to being a pescatarian, and that gluten-free, sugar-free cookies serve as a treat after a day of work. In looking forward to the holidays, he enjoys his eggnog spiked with a bit of liquor and fried catfish prepared by his mother.

Black America Again is out now through Artium/Def Jam, with Common having shared a remix of the album's title track featuring Gucci Mane, Pusha T and B.J. the Chicago Kid earlier this week. Read more on the rapper's eating habits here.